“44 the Musical” is a MAD Magazine version of recent political history as told by…Joe Biden?

11/11/2025

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This theatrical photograph captures a diverse ensemble of eight performers posed dramatically on stage, likely from the musical 44 THE MUSICAL, given the stage's distinctive red and purple striped walls. The group is centered, striking energetic poses with raised fists and pointed fingers. A woman in the middle, wearing a dark blue denim jumpsuit with a red bra visible, takes the central focus with a powerful stance and a raised fist. The rest of the ensemble wears a variety of costumes, including a man in red pants and sunglasses, a woman in a blue trench coat, and another in a red and white jacket, suggesting a humorous mix of political or character archetypes. The scene is warmly lit with a strong blue backlight highlighting the figures. — The cast of 44 the Musical (Photo by Jenny Anderson)

This dynamic, theatrically lit photo features three performers posing aggressively in a staged environment with a vibrant purple and pink color scheme. The stage set has striped walls and two chairs covered in matching striped fabric, suggesting a heightened, stylized location. In the foreground, a woman with short blonde hair and an orange pantsuit is centered, aiming a handgun while posed in a deep, athletic squat. Flanking her are two men: one in a white sleeveless shirt, red bandana, and tie, also in an action pose, and the other, a Black man in a dark blue suit, standing behind them with his arms outstretched. The overall composition is dramatic and energetic, suggesting a high-stakes, action-oriented scene, likely from the musical 44 THE MUSICAL. — Jenna Pastuszek, Dino Shorté as Herman Cain, Summer Collins. 44 the Musical (Photo by Jenny Anderson)

The time has come, it seems, to take a look back at the presidency of our country’s first black President. Remembering the elections, the achievements, and the defeats of Barack Hussein Obama, with the support of his wife Michelle and the help of his Vice-President, Joe Biden, can only empower those who seek to make our nation the more perfect union envisioned by the Founding Fathers. So what better vehicle to do this than…buffoonery?

Have you ever read a MAD Magazine movie or TV parody, with half-corny, half-deadly-accurate dialogue and outrageous Jack Davis caricatures? Then you’re all set for 44 the Musical.

44 is the brainchild of Eli Bauman, son of Jon “Bowzer” Bauman of Sha Na Na fame. Eli is a triple threat here — writer, composer, and director of this fast-moving romp through the eight years of the Obama Presidency. The score, a whopping 22 original numbers plus “Amazing Grace”, leaves only a little room for dialogue. Then again, the songs carry most of the weight of the show’s plot, with the libretto useful for showing off the characters’ more outlandish sides.

The cast is led by T.J. Wilkins as Barack and Shanice as Michelle. Chad Doreck acts as your host, Joe Biden, through whose not-quite-all-there memory the story is told. Summer Nicole Greer, with a high-volume, high-energy voice and delivery, performs many of the show’s songs as an ensemble character listed in the program as Voice of the People. Her power and range are a definite highlight of the show.

Much of the humor comes from the rest of the cast lampooning famous people. In alphabetical order, they are: Larry Cedar (Mitch McConnell); Summer Collins (Sarah Palin); Evan Tyrone Martin (Brother Abe Lincoln); Dino Shorté (Herman Cain); Jeff Sumner (Lindsey Graham); understudy Chelsea Morgan Stock (Hillary Clinton); and Michael Uribes (Ted Cruz). The show’s lively choreography, with plenty of smooth moves and twerking, is the creation of Miss James Alsop (she/her).

This photo captures a lively, full-stage scene from a musical, featuring an ensemble of actors on a detailed, colorful set. The set design suggests a stylized, perhaps satirical, depiction of a television studio or political event, with yellow-striped walls and elevated sections on either side. A central figure, a Black man in a dark suit, stands forward with his arms raised, drawing focus. The stage is populated by diverse characters, including a woman in a bright yellow suit, another in a short red and white outfit with a sash that says "NEWS CHANNEL," and others in more formal attire or exaggerated costumes (like the woman in a bright red dress pointing from an elevated window). The lighting is bright and theatrical, highlighting the energetic and broadly comedic or satirical tone of the performance. — The cast of 44 the Musical (Photo by Jenny Anderson)

Julio Himede has created a cartoonish version of the White House, complete with multiple doors (both obvious and hidden) and panels that swing out from the walls. WIth a few changes, it becomes the Oval Office, an after-hours bar, the Obamas’ living quarters, rallying spaces, and more. Matthew Hemesath’s costumes are bright and stylish, ranging from the men’s suits to Michelle’s high-fashion gowns to the bespangled jumpsuit worn by Voice of the People — and Lindsay Graham’s all-white suit and parasol!

This striking theatrical photograph features a solo performer kneeling in the center of a minimalist stage, conveying a mood of intense emotional vulnerability or supplication. The performer, dressed in a dark, sleeveless top and light, loose-fitting trousers, has their hands clasped near their chest and is looking up with an expressive, worried, or pained face. The backdrop is a large, elevated white platform serving as a projection screen, which displays a field of vibrant blue light with a subtle vertical color gradient above a low white ledge. A single, glowing white orb rests on the platform to the right, serving as the sole prop and a strong point of light that creates a dramatic shadow on the wall. — Chad Doreck as Joe Biden, T.J. Wilkins as Barack, Jenna Pastuszek as Hillary Clinton. 44 the Musical (Photo by Jenny Anderson)

For those who are offended by language, be warned: 44 the Musical doesn’t hold back. In fact, a refrain running through the show uses the phrase “Muthafukin’ Obama” 81 times (plus an additional 5 “Motherfuking Obama” occurrences). Several of the songs rely too much on repeating the song’s title in the lyrics. Based on the audience reactions at the performance I saw, 44 the Musical is a rousing good time in the theatre. If a good-hearted musical parody is just up your alley, I recommend you get on down to see the revisionist R&B history of 44 the Musical!

44 the Musical is presented at the Daryl Roth Theatre, 101 East 15th St., in New York through Jan. 4, 2026. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to 44theobamamusical.com.